Telemetry system and apparatus

ABSTRACT

In one example, a method for optimizing operational parameters of a hardware implemented telemetry system is provided. The operational parameters can include a performance characteristic, an energy use, data creation, and a cost. The operation parameters are monitored. The method further includes adjusting a balance between the operational parameters in accordance with a predetermined operational guideline.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A telemetry system is one that provides a means of monitoring information that is then able to be accessed from a point some distance from the measurement site.

The technology and methods used to create such systems in the past have been bespoke combinations of well known (but basic) radio technology and components from the industrial control and monitoring sector. Prior systems have suffered from a number of difficulties, including:

-   -   Requiring regular maintenance or checks which is costly         especially if the equipment is in a remote location;     -   Relatively high power consumption—components from the industrial         sector used in bespoke systems are rarely considered to be         low-power;     -   No central quality assurance system in place for the unit as a         whole;     -   Complex to install which, especially in remote locations         requires a great deal of logistical effort;     -   Require large amounts of in-field wiring housings and mountings,         adding to maintenance costs;     -   Lack of or low upgradeability     -   Lack of interoperability with other systems, components and         software;     -   Require the use of relatively expensive control and measurement         products, but also require a large degree of per-site         engineering and customization;

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for receiving information at a location and communicating at least a subset of said information to a second location comprising an energy module; a communications module; and a data module. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus according to the invention configured to work in conjunction with at least one other such apparatus.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for constructing an apparatus according to the invention comprising ensuring close integration of component parts.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for optimising one or more operational parameters of a telemetry apparatus comprising adjusting operation of one or more aspects of the telemetry system in accordance with a predetermined operational guideline wherein the predetermined operational guideline is optionally at least partially determined by the telemetry apparatus or optionally otherwise.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for monitoring the operation of a telemetry apparatus comprising operating a monitoring module wherein optionally the telemetry apparatus comprises the monitoring module or it is optionally co-located with said telemetry apparatus.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a communication method for a telemetry device comprising optionally switching between a plurality of communication methods depending on one or more rules which optionally relate to one or more of communication speed, bandwidth, cost, network routing configuration, speed of access to another location or any other suitable communication parameter.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a communication method for a telemetry apparatus comprising network discovery by the telemetry apparatus.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a communication method for a telemetry apparatus comprising adjustment of one or more network or apparatus parameters depending on one or more characteristics of each network member.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of aggregating data comprising collecting data from at least one apparatus according to the invention.

A method of utilising data originating from an apparatus according to the invention comprising making the data available in a commonly used data format.

Other aspects of the invention comprise one or more storage devices comprising machine readable code for operation of any one or methods of the invention.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a telemetry apparatus comprising an energy module, a communications module and a data module wherein the lung term cost of operation is reduced. The lung term cost of operation may be reduced at least partially by one or more aspects of the energy module. Any suitable type of energy module may be used in an apparatus according to the invention. In some embodiments the energy module optionally comprises one or more of an energy storage device and an energy generating device and the energy storage device optionally may comprise one or more energy storing systems, such as a battery and the energy generating device may optionally generate and or store energy from one or more of solar, wind, water or fossil fuels.

The output from the energy module may be supplied based on one or more predetermined parameters and these parameters optionally comprise: prevailing solar, wind, water or other energy conditions; the time of day, week, month or year; the historical energy usage of at least one component of the apparatus; a predicted energy requirement of at least one component of the apparatus.

Energy efficiency may also be obtained by other means, such as by integrating the components closely so as to reduce wastage. The components themselves may also be selected on the basis that they draw minimal if any current when nut operating and have efficient energy ratings when operating.

Any other known technique to reduce energy consumption may also be deployed in the invention.

According to another aspect of the invention, the long term cost of operation may be reduced at least partially by one or more aspects of the communications module. Any suitable communications module may be used in the invention. In some embodiments, it comprises a wireless and/or radio technology which may optionally comprise UHF, Short Wave Radio, Mobile telephone network, satellite communications, or any other suitable communications technology.

A particular feature of some embodiments is the use of multi channel communication to optimise communication effectiveness and/or efficiency. In some embodiments, the system may break information to be transmitted into subparts to be separately transmitted. These subparts may be communicated concurrently and multiple copies of a subpart may be transmitted to a plurality of places concurrently. In some embodiments each subpart is indexed so as to be able to be reordered after arrival at the destination.

In some embodiments, information is processed, formatted and encoded before being communicated. In some other embodiments, in addition to the recorded information, additional information is combined with the recorded information before being communicated. Such additional information may be the result of a calculation, a logical operation, a fact or any other information. In yet further embodiments, for the purposes of conserving processing power, information is communicated without any processing, formatting, encoding, which are later performed by a unit with sufficient power or performed centrally.

In some embodiments involving multiple telemetry units, certain information may be shared and/or stored on a plurality of such units, for example, in a network.

In some embodiments, the system may alter the form of communication depending on one or more parameters. Thus, for example, if the only available radio connection is of low bandwidth, then an alternative, more suitable communication method may be selected.

In some embodiments, the required communications capacity is minimised in order to reduce overall long term cost of operation. This is achieved through lower communications costs (eg. paid to communications network providers) and lower energy costs, etc.

In some embodiments, the architecture is designed to readily accommodate the various impediments to the communication and aggregation of data. Thus, data may for example be communicated in such a way as to be readily presentable on a web interface which therefore makes it much easier to pass through communications infrastructure. It may also be communicated in other ways which avoid firewalls.

A further feature of some embodiments is the use of different network topologies in order to propagate messages within the network. Such topologies include broadcast, mesh and point-to-point communications. Network topologies can be altered dynamically depending on various criteria, including the availability and quality of communication channels between various different nodes on the network and the power requirements of each unit.

In one aspect of the invention, the long term cost of operation may be reduced at least partially by one or more aspects of the data module. Any suitable form of data module may be used and the data module may comprise any suitable components. In some embodiments, it comprises a data processor and in some embodiments it comprises a data storage module.

The data module may be adapted to monitor and optionally store and/or analyse information in fine detail. This may be brought about by integration with a sensing device which is capable of sensing finer information and/or by setting finer predetermined input parameters.

In some embodiments the balance between performance, energy use, data creation and cost of running the apparatus are monitored and adjusted. Such adjustments are preferably done on a continuous basis.

In some embodiments a System Plan is provided to describe desired operational characteristics of the system and the elements of the system are adjusted in a “best efforts” way to attempt to achieve the operational characteristics defined in the System Plan taking into account defined limitations, such as cost objectives, communication limitations, desired power consumption constraints and minimum operational requirements. In further embodiments, the system operates according to the System Plan without regard to defined limitations.

In some further embodiments, the System Plan is a machine readable definition created by the end user using any number of abstract creation tools, including in text editors, graphical form or by graphical input elements (such as sliders) via a computer system. In further embodiments, the System Plan is created by the system itself using defined business rules, which may take into account external factors, such are environmental conditions, operational cost and power consumption. The System Plan is then communicated and/or stored (either in whole or by sending relevant elements only) to each unit in the system. The System Plan may be adjusted in real time or near real time.

In another aspect of the invention the long term cost of operation may be reduced at least partially by close integration of a plurality of components. Such integration may be performed by selecting and optimising the components for better interoperability and by setting and requiring-predetermined performance from each component and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments of this aspect, greater reliability is obtained through such performance standards and associated control over quality that is enabled.

In one aspect of the invention, the long term cost of operation may be reduced at least partially by a self-monitoring module. The self monitoring module may be of any suitable type and comprise any suitable components. By monitoring the operation of the system itself, the quality of information received from external sensors can be more accurately assessed and the maintenance costs can be dramatically reduced as there is less need to travel to each unit to check it. Furthermore, any faults are speedily and accurately identified so that appropriate maintenance resources can be directed in a timely manner.

In preferred embodiments of the system according to the invention, the same approach to gathering and monitoring data in fine detail is used across all monitored parameters, whether they are in respect of monitoring the components and function of the system and platform itself, or whether they are sensors of the external environment, such as a water level sensor.

In another aspect of the invention, the long term cost of operation may be reduced at least partially by minimising maintenance. Maintenance may be reduced by careful attention to any one of the factors described elsewhere in this document. In addition, factors such as the physical design of the unit (eg. with robust materials, using appropriate weather shields and with easily ‘hot swappable’ components) and the close monitoring of its components will reduce the maintenance requirements of the system.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the long term cost of operation may be reduced at least partially by a data quality module to monitor the quality of information received. This enables the user to make informed choices about the health of the apparatus and also allows optimisation of the operation of the system.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a plurality of units according to the invention which are optionally networked for greater efficiency, for example in relation to data, communication, oust, or energy.

According to one further aspect of the invention, there is provided a telemetry apparatus. as described above, which communicates with a server. An end user then accesses information communicated to the server in any number of visual representations.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for receiving information at a location and communicating at least a subset of said information to a second location comprising an energy module; a communications module; and a data module. The apparatus may be adapted so that the long term cost of operation is at least partially reduced.

The apparatus may be such that the energy module comprises one or more of an energy storage module, an energy generating device which optionally generate energy from one or more of solar, wind, water, fossil fuel or batteries. The apparatus may be such that the apparatus may select between a plurality of energy generating devices dynamically.

The apparatus may be such that the communications module supports one or more of wired and wireless communications methods and optionally multiple wireless communication methods, optionally concurrently. The apparatus may be such that the apparatus communicates using different communication methods dynamically.

The apparatus may be such that information is processed before being communicated optionally by any one or more of:

-   -   adding information;     -   removing information;     -   compressing information;     -   adding information based on a calculation;     -   adding time and date information;     -   adding location information;     -   processing information according to an algorithm; and     -   pre-formatting information in a standard format.

The apparatus may be such that information is communicated to another apparatus for the purposes of processing information before being communicated to the second location.

The apparatus may be such that where the communications module may communicate with other apparatus in a network in order to propagate information to a second location. The apparatus may be such that where the network topology is created dynamically in order to achieve desirable operational outcomes. The apparatus may be such that where the network topology is created dynamically in order to achieve reliable propagation of information to the second location.

The apparatus may be such that where the data module collects information. The apparatus may be such that information is collected from one or more sensors. The apparatus may be such that the data module stores information collected.

The apparatus may be such that the operational characteristics of one or more elements of the apparatus is defined according to desired operational characteristics (“System Plan”). The apparatus may be such that one or all of the desired operational characteristics in the System Plan is defined by a user of the apparatus. The apparatus may be such that one or all of the desired operational characteristics in the System Plan is calculated according to other desired operational characteristics. The apparatus may be such that one or all of the desired operational characteristics in the System Plan is calculated according to commercial objectives. The apparatus may be such that one or all of the desired operational characteristics in the System Plan is defined according to hardware or software characteristics.

The apparatus may be such that the operational characteristics of each relevant element of the apparatus is modified so as to best balance the desired operational characteristics described in the System Plan. The apparatus may be such that the System Plan is created by a user of the apparatus using an abstract tool, optionally including one or more of:

-   -   Test editing     -   Graphical elements     -   Interactive methods of changing desired operational         characteristics     -   Selection of pre-existing desired operational characteristics

The apparatus may be such that where components are selected and tightly integrated with a view to reducing the capital and/or operational cost of the apparatus. The apparatus may be such that where the apparatus is constructed of materials selected to reduce the maintenance requirement. The apparatus may be such that where the apparatus is constructed in such a way that elements of the apparatus are “hot swappable”. The apparatus may be such that it incorporate a self-monitoring module to monitor the operation of the apparatus and provide to the data module information relevant to maintenance of the apparatus.

In another embodiment, there is provided a system of apparatuses according to the invention. The system may be such that any number of apparatus may individually or together communicate information to second location. The system may be such that the second location is one or more computer servers. The system may be such that the computer server makes accessible the information stored to a user of the system. The system may be such that the operational characteristics of the server is defined according to desired operational characteristics described in the System Plan.

The system may be such that one or all of the desired operational characteristics in the System Plan is defined by a user of the system. The system may be such that one or all of the desired operational characteristics in the System Plan is calculated according to other desired operational characteristics. The system may be such that one or all of the desired operational characteristics in the System Plan is calculated according to commercial objectives. The system may be such that one or all of the desired operational characteristics in the System Plan is defined according to hardware or software characteristics. The system may be such that the operational characteristics of each relevant element of the server is modified so as to best balance the desired operational characteristics described in the System Plan.

The system may be such that the System Plan is created by a user of the system described herein using an abstract tool, optionally including one or more of:

-   -   Text editing     -   Graphical elements     -   Interactive methods of changing desired operational         characteristics     -   Selection of pre-existing desired operational characteristics

The system may be such that where a user of the system may retrieve information stored on a server upon request, such request optionally being made by a device or software module on an automated basis.

The system of the current invention addresses a number of the problems with prior art systems, for example in some embodiments it does this by one or more of:

-   -   Reducing the need for regular maintenance or checks which are         costly especially if the equipment is in a remote location;     -   Lowering power consumption;     -   Unifying manufacture of each unit which for example allows a         central quality assurance system for the unit as a whole;     -   Simplifying installation and therefore reducing logistical         effort;     -   Requiring minimal in-field wiring, housings and mountings, and         therefore reducing maintenance costs;     -   Increasing upgradeability which is partly due to a unified         design;     -   Increasing interoperability with other systems, components and         software, including by reason of standards compliance;     -   Requiring the use of relatively inexpensive control and         measurement products;     -   Requiring a lower degree of per-site engineering and         customisation;     -   Providing a more defined system management model allowing         management of the system at different levels of abstraction         (that is, on a per module basis, by logical and/or physical         groups or overall); and     -   Increasing sensitivity to different unique requirements, such as         geographical requirements or customer service requirements,         which may change during the operational life of the unit.

Throughout this specification (including any claims which follow), unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as comprises' and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of one embodiment of the invention

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the door open

FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, with the door open

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the outer or primary enclosure according to certain embodiments

FIG. 5 is a depiction of the internal electronics according to some embodiments

FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting the internal electronics according to some embodiments

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one embodiment of the invention incorporating at least one telemetry apparatus, a server and an end user.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing one preferred embodiment of the interrelationship and information flow between system elements (such as the sensors) and business requirements (such as service level requirements)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

It is convenient to describe the invention herein in relation to particularly preferred embodiments. However, the invention is applicable to a wide range of applications and it is to be appreciated that other constructions and arrangements are also considered as falling within the scope of the invention. Various modifications, alterations, variations and or additions to the construction and arrangements described herein are also considered as falling within the ambit and scope of the present invention.

1. The Telemetry Apparatus

-   -   According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a         telemetry apparatus comprising an energy module, a         communications module and a data module.     -   The energy module is used to power the device and may comprises         one or more of any suitable energy generating devices (such has         solar panels, wind turbines, stored energy systems, etc) and         optionally an energy storage system.     -   The data module comprises one or more of any suitable device to         capture information regarding the environment. Optionally the         data module can also capture information about the machine         itself. Further, optionally the data module is capable of         undertaking processing of that information.     -   The communications module comprises one or more suitable         communication devices which enables the apparatus to communicate         information collected by the data module to a second location.     -   The function and interoperation of the various modules is         described in more detail below.

2. The System Plan

-   -   Some embodiments comprise a System Plan. The System Plan is a         description of the desirable characteristics of the system and         apparatus at all levels of operation—from hardware to software         and performance, including what the user expects to see, the         level of detail required and the historical and archival         requirements for long-term data retention. The System Plan also         represents a formal, and machine-readable definition of the         service level agreement between the system operator and the data         consumer.     -   The System Plan is stored in machine readable format. At a         minimum, the System Plan contains:         -   A description of the desirable characteristic         -   A scope of desirable values         -   One or more weightings of priority.     -   System Plan weightings are used to determine which requirements         take priority over others in the ease of conflict. Where the         conflict cannot be resolved (for example, where two equally         important characteristics conflict), further non conflicting         weightings may be applied (for example, as a general rule it may         be that all conflicts are resolved in favour of reducing price,         or maintaining accuracy).     -   A System Plan can be described in any number of machine readable         formats. A very simple example System Plan can be described as:

  <SystemPlan>  <Characteristic>   <Description>Cost</Description>   <Scope>    <Low>100</Low>    <High>500</High>   </Scope>   <Priority>5</Priority>  </Characteristic>  <Characteristic>   <Description>Sensitivity</Description>   <Scope>    <Low>6</Low>    <High>9</High>   </Scope>   <Priority>3</Priority>  </Characteristic> </SystemPlan>

-   -   The above System Plan describes an apparatus which costs between         $100 and $300 and has a sensitivity of between 6 and 9. The cost         of the apparatus in the above System Plan is more important than         the sensitivity being within particular ranges.     -   More detailed System Plan information records the impact of         characteristics on other characteristics. This allows dynamic         real-time adjustment of the system (including each module of the         apparatus) in order to achieve (or come as close as possible to         achieving or to balance) desired characteristics described in         the System Plan. For example:

  <SystemPlan>  <Characteristic>   <Description>Sensitivity</Description>   <Scope>    <Low>6</Low>    <High>9</High>   </Scope>   <Priority>3</Priority>   <Impact>    <Scope>6</Scope>    <Power>1000</Power>   </Impact>   <Impact>    <Scope>7</Scope>    <Power>3000</Power>   </Impact>   <Impact>    <Scope>8</Scope>    <Power>5000</Power>   </Impact>   <Impact>    <Scope>9</Scope>    <Power>8000</Power>   </Impact>  </Characteristic>  <Characteristic>   <Description>Power</Description>   <Scope>    <Low>1000</Low>    <High>7000</High>   </Scope>   <Priority>10</Priority>   <Impact>    <Scope>1000</Scope>    <Sensitivity >6</ Sensitivity>   </Impact>   <Impact>    <Scope>3000</Scope>    <Sensitivity >7</ Sensitivity>   </Impact   <Impact>    <Scope>5000</Scope>    <Sensitivity >8</ Sensitivity>   </Impact>   <Impact>    <Scope>7000</Scope>    <Sensitivity >8.5</ Sensitivity>   </Impact>  </Characteristic> </SystemPlan>

-   -   The above System Plan describes an apparatus with a sensitivity         between 6 and 9 and a power requirement between 1000 and 7000.         In this particular example, the power characteristic takes         priority over the sensitivity.     -   In the above System Plan, the impact of changes to the apparatus         sensitivity (a component of the data module) is described in         terms of the changes in power requirements (a component of the         energy module). As the sensitivity increases, so do the power         requirements. At the highest desirable range in sensitivity, the         highest desirable power range has been exceeded (sensitivity of         g, power of 8000). Power requirements having priority over         sensitivity, the sensitivity of this example device would be         practically limited to between 6 and 8.5 in order to achieve the         desirable power range.     -   The following is a further example System Plan which         demonstrates an example of how one might specify historical         storage requirements and a different mechanism for describing         the relationship between measurement sensitivity and power         consumed and device storage needed (i.e. higher sensitivity will         use more power and take up more storage on the device).

<?xml version=″1.0″ encoding=″UTF-8″?> <systemPlan name=″Customer A System Plan″> <visualisedData> <vizReferenees>   <vizReference name=″Temperature″ vizId=″50.358.temp″ site=″Tree Enclosure″>    <fieldReferences>     <fieldRefence fieldId=″value″ name=″Temp″ fieldLabel=″ld″ history=″1w.1h,1m.4h,3m.1d.″ />     </fieldReferences>    </vizReference>   </vizReferences>  </visualisedData>  <systemConstraints>   <!-- show the correlation between measurement sensitivity and power consumption and device storage needs -->   <characteristic name=″Power Consumption″ priority=″5″>    <valueRange upperBound=″1400 mW″ lowerBound″400 mW″ />   </characteristic>   <characteristic name=″Device Storage″ priority=″4″>    <valueRange upperBound=″500 kb″ lowerBound=″o kb″ />   </characteristic>   <characteristic name=″Sensitivity″ priority=″3″>    <valueRange upperBound=″4″ lowerBound=″9″ />    <operatingProfile name =″High Sensitivity″>     <!-- high sensitity will use more power and more storage -->     <valueRange upperBound=″9″ lowerBound=″7″ />     <impact charcteristic=″Power Consumption″>      <valueRange upperBound=″1400 mW″ lowerBound= ″1000 mW″ />     </impact>     <impact charcteristic=″Device Storage″>      <valueRange upperBound=″500 kb″ lowerBound=″400 kb″ />     </impact>    </operatingProfile>    <operatingProfile name=″Low Sensitivity″>     <!-- low sensitity will use less power and more storage -->     <valueRange upperBound=″3″ lowerBound=″4″ />     <impact charcteristic=″Power Consumption″>      <valueRange upperBound=″450 mW″ lowerBound= ″400 mW″ />     </impact>     <impact charcteristic=″Device Storage″>      <valueRange upperBound=100 kb″ lowerBound=″50 kb″ />     </impact>    </operatingProfile>   </characteristic>  </systemConstraints> </systemPlan>

-   -   Characteristics described in a System Plan may come from a         number of different sources, for example:         -   a. Intrinsic characteristics             -   Intrinsic characteristics in the System Plan are those                 characteristics which cannot be modified. These may be                 physical constraints (such as size or weight of the                 apparatus or the wavelength of light), logical                 constraints (such as the type of computational                 processing available to the apparatus), operational                 constraints (such as the maximum throughput rate of                 communications) and commercial constraints (such as a                 minimum eat of components).             -   Typically intrinsic characteristics will have the                 highest weighting.         -   b. Supplier characteristics             -   Supplier characteristics are those characteristics                 defined by the suppler of the apparatus (or the person                 responsible for managing the apparatus). Examples may be                 the supplier defined minimum cost of particular                 components or the supplier defined operational                 characteristics of the components produced by that                 particular supplier (as opposed to any other supplier).             -   Typically supplier characteristics are unique to a                 particular supplier or installation and while a                 different supplier or installation may be able to offer                 different characteristics, this particular supplier or                 installation dues not.             -   Typically supplier characteristics will have a high                 weighting.         -   c. Commercial characteristics             -   Commercial characteristics are similar to Supplier                 characteristics except that they are open to                 modification within a particular supplier and                 installation.             -   As an example, hardware characteristics of a particular                 apparatus may support very low cost operation by                 controlling variables like power consumption, network                 and communications levels, diagnostic and, data capture                 and storage. To support such a low cost system, the                 business must carefully manage operating costs. Of the                 things that impact operating costs, some are fixed and                 some scale with the number and type of systems deployed.                 Operational aspects such as online data storage, network                 bandwidth consumption, data archival & retention                 requirements, and servicing user requests all have                 direct and material impact on operating costs. Such                 factors can be defined in the System Plan.         -   d. User characteristics             -   User characteristics describe the characteristics                 desirable to the end user, within particular                 constraints.             -   Typically User characteristics focus on the high scope                 range of some characteristics (such as duration of data                 retention) and the low scope range or other                 characteristics (such as cast)     -   The System Plan can be used to describe the minimum service         levels to be achieved by the system and apparatus. For this         purpose, typical focus will be on achieving the low scope range         of defined user characteristics (for example, sensitivity) while         staying within the desirable scope of intrinsic, supplier and         commercial characteristics.     -   One of the key advantages of the invention is the ability to use         the System Plan as the basis for configuring the operation of         the system to achieve a particular operational goal (such as low         oust) taking into account pro-defined characteristics (such as         maintaining reliability). Further, such configuration can be         undertaken by a user without a detailed knowledge of the factors         which impact performance or attributes which need to be adjusted         to achieve the goal using an abstracted. tool, such as a         graphical user interface. This approach allows a user to specify         the desired operational requirements of a system and         subsequently allow that system to dynamically adjust its         configuration to meet those requirements conforming to         predefined goals, such as achieving the lowest, reliable         operating cost.     -   This System Plan further provides a basis for automated and         on-going optimisation of the end-to-end operation of the system         to ensure the ideal balance between relevant factors, such as         operating cost and service level agreement compliance.     -   Network topology, routing rules and network technology can all         be selected based on information from the System Plan. Further         examples of System Plan definitions include:         -   Selecting free-to-air network technologies where possible,             or partially used to minimise coasts.         -   Defining data retention and timeliness characteristics to             enable speed and bandwidth optimizations to further reduce             operating cost.         -   Selecting network routing configurations (including             dynamically selecting between different communication             technologies and configurations) to lower performing, lower             cost alternatives, or different routing rules for cost             reduction and/or performance improvements.     -   System Plan attributes will also allow the automatic         configuration of in-field equipment settings to optimise         desirable performance characteristics, such as optimising system         performance whilst minimising power consumption. Very low power         operation has a significant impact on field equipment operating         cost. Reduction in device level storage and minimal use of         device communications strongly impact power consumption and         further improve system performance.     -   System Plan elements are also used to configure operating         characteristics of apparatus deployed in remote geographic         locations. Such operating characteristics include the level of         diagnostics desirable and level of data capture & retention         characteristics in each element of the system.     -   Further, System Plan elements can be used to determine equipment         with lowest capital cost that would achieve the desired         operational characteristics.     -   FIG. 8 shows the interrelationship of the elements of a system         together with an example System Plan via an SLA Management         module.

3. Construction of an Example Telemetry Apparatus

-   -   As noted above, one of the key issues with current systems is         the bespoke nature of their construction using standard         off-the-shelf components. While maintaining the flexibility of         such systems (though a modular design, rigorous characteristic         mappings using the System Plan and the use of open standards and         interfaces), the current invention contemplates a tightly         integrated system and apparatus.     -   By providing a single, integrated system, the invention for the         first time enables a rigorous quality assurance program to be         built around production, maintenance and use of such a system.         In particular, the lose integration and optimisation of the         components in the invention means that interoperability         standards can be developed which further enhances control over         quality. The close integration is brought about by various         means, for example by including purpose built electronics and an         enclosure designed specifically for the particular electronics         used. In addition, the system of the invention is built up. from         a much lower lever than existing systems—from an electronic         component lever, rather than an off-the-shelf level.     -   FIG. 1 depicts a front isometric view of one embodiment of the         invention. Full integration of the solar panel (FIG. 1, A), into         the product metalwork means that no additional bracketing is         required to mount the panel. Furthermore protection of the power         cable exiting the solar panel is inherent in such         configurations. Integration of the solar panel into the product         is achieved by a tray (C) and retaining frame (B) configuration.         This embodiment further comprises a detachable bird deterrent         (D).     -   FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1,         with the door open. In some embodiments, a unit according to the         present invention is comprised of two major components, a         primary and secondary enclosure. It is within the scope of the         invention to have any suitable number of enclosures in a unit         according to the invention. The primary and secondary enclosures         may be configured in any suitable way and house any suitable         components. In some embodiments, the secondary enclosure houses         the electronics, radio and solar power supply for the system. In         some embodiments, the primary enclosure is contained within the         door to the secondary enclosure and is therefore the first         enclosure encountered by a user.     -   FIG. 2 depicts a unit according to the invention with an outer         case (A) in which (B) comprises the primary enclosure as well as         the door to the secondary enclosure and houses, on its outer         surface, the solar panel. Door (B) (which is also the primary         enclosure) may be maintained in the closed position by latches         (ID). An antenna (C) is also depicted.     -   The entirety of the electronics may be housed within the primary         enclosure underneath the solar panel face. Connectors and         terminal blocks on the rear of the enclosure allow for         connection of external devices. Along with a clear graphical         representation of the functionality of the connections. The         primary enclosure may also act as the door to the primary         enclosure housing the battery and installation wiring.     -   FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of the invention         with the door open. Secondary enclosure A) houses battery (H)         held in place by brace (I) and electrical lead (E) passes         through enclosure (A) to the electronics (G) on the inner side         of door (B). Outer door (B) which also comprises the primary         enclosure, comprises insulating material so as to protect the         electronics and contents of the unit and is held in place by         latches (D).     -   FIG. 4 is a rear view of a unit according to certain         embodiments. The outer door, which houses the solar panel and         the primary enclosure swings between opened and closed positions         on hinges (A) and comprises. Bracket (B) is used to mount the         unit at a suitable location in the field and (C) is a user push         button.     -   FIG. 5 is a depiction of the internal electronics according to         some embodiments. In these embodiments, the electronics are         housed on the inner side of the door to the inner (or secondary)         enclosure. FIG. 5 depicts User Input Button (A), Port         Connectors (B) and DC plugback (C).     -   FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting the internal electronics according         to some embodiments, it comprises:         -   Core processor (A, B, C)         -   Modem (D)         -   Radio (E)         -   Charger (F)         -   Door status switch (G).         -   The status of the door (open/shut) is detected through a             small board mounted tilt switch. This switch also controls             which bank of LEDs is required to be active.         -   LED display (H)         -   Auxiliary power connector (I)         -   System control button (J)         -   2.4 GHz short range radio (M)         -   A low-power radio is used to interface to sensors and other             external devices wirelessly, removing the need to lay             relatively fragile cable over long distances. This feature             is enabled by the use of a small, low-power, cut-down             version of the telemetry platform at the sensor or             ‘end-node’ location.         -   Radio expansion connector (N)         -   This connection allows the future integration of alternative             communications devices such as cell based radio, spread             spectrum radio or satellite.         -   GPS receiver (O)         -   A GPS module with integrated patch antenna allows the system             to geo-code itself and any data it records. Geo-coding may             also be effected by pre-programming a location into a             stationary unit. GPS tracking of mobile installations is             also made possible with GPS capability.         -   Ports (P)         -   Beeper (Q)         -   Chip flash memory (R)         -   On-board flash memory is used as datalog memory under normal             operation.         -   Real time clock (S)         -   A battery backed up RTC provides a stable and permanent time             reference.         -   Moisture ingress sensor (T)         -   A contact analogue moisture sensors is used to detect             failures of seals in the primary enclosure.         -   SD flash card slot (T)         -   Removable flash memory media allows a further option to load             configurations and log large amounts of data.         -   CPU expansion connector (process expansion connector) (V)     -   Along with the protection of wiring and connectors the secondary         enclosure provides a semi-sealed environment for the 12 Ahr         battery and other ancillary devices as required (FIG. 2). It         also features the primary means of mechanical. fixing for the         product during installation via a flexible bracket system. The         door plane of the enclosure serves to set the angle of         inclination for the solar panel—the primary enclosure (with         integrated solar panel) acts as the door to the secondary         enclosure.     -   The battery is fixed in the enclosure using a cam-over clamp         system, it is design such that the battery can be shipped         factory-mounted in the enclosure, reducing the risk of damage to         the product during transit. The clamp system also allows for         easy removal for replacement or during installation.     -   The use of a secondary enclosure for components that are seen as         “user accessible” removes the risk of incidental damage to more         sensitive components that the user is not required to access.         The secondary enclosure also promotes the execution of         recommended installation procedures, for example ensuring no         environmentally sensitive wiring is left exposed to the         elements.     -   The use of a secondary enclosure—one that does not house         components as sensitive to heat, light and moisture—means that         fixtures such as connectors and wiring can be protected from         wildlife and the elements whilst still allowing adequate access         to maintain ease of installation. The primary entry point for         cabling into this enclosure is a single 25 mm conduit gland,         encouraging the use of standard electrical conduit in a general         installation setting. The enclosure has space for additional         entry points/glands to be installed as required. It is intended         that wiring will be protected in a suitable conduit until it         penetrates the secondary enclosure, where it is then broken out         and connected to respective terminals or connectors. The         secondary enclosure also acts as the standard mounting point for         the primary radio antenna, the antenna cable is thus completely         housed within the secondary enclosure.     -   Standard electrical connectors allow for factory-made wiring         looms to be supplied in the case of simple installations. Each         connection is duplicated on a screw terminal block to allow an         alternate method of connection, typically for more complicated         installations. There are two primary connection “ports” these         have a specified set of IO connections creating ease of         installation and associated planning.     -   During installation the product is affixed to a solid structure         by means of either 4 mounting holes positioned on the back of         the secondary enclosure an optional bracket. This bracket is         bolted to the secondary enclosure and allows the product to be         mounted directly to a pole either driven or concreted into the         ground. Both methods of fixing allow the option of hidden         fasteners to deter vandalism and theft.     -   The primary mechanical parts of the product are constructed of         welded and powder coated steel. This provides the required UV         and corrosion resistance in low production quantities without a         large outlay for tooling.     -   The electronics/solar module features a detachable mechanical         bird deterrent (FIG. 1, D). This component is attached via         self-retaining thumb screws allowing tool-less attachment and         removal (FIG. 4, D).     -   There are two primary sealing edges in the product:         -   Door/enclosure seal—this consists of a returned gutter on             the male side (secondary enclosure) and a shroud+EPDM gasket             on the female side (electronics/solar module). This seal is             required to be repeatably cycled by the user and is             compressed via two hinge and two opposing side latch         -   Electronics/solar module PV panel seal—This seal is factory             fitted and whilst some requirement for cycle-ability remains             it is not intended to be regular or user instigated. This             seal is required to have a high degree of integrity as it             protects the relatively sensitive electronic components of             the product.     -   In some embodiments, the unit allows no exposure of materials         that are sensitive to environmental factors ie. Heat, UV, wind,         water, animals (in particular chewing birds). Such materials         (like soft thin plastic and rubber etc.) where used are         concealed under metal guttering or shrouds.     -   In some embodiments, concealable mounting fasteners and         key-lockable latch mechanisms (also with concealed fasteners)         decrease the risk of vandalism and theft.     -   In its standard form the antenna attaches directly to the         secondary enclosure, which means that a separate mounting system         is not required. The relatively fragile antenna cable is thus         also concealed, eliminating the possibility of damage due to         animals or environment.     -   In some embodiments, functionally equivalent sets of colour LEDs         provide visual feedback on the operation of the product, for         example:         -   Radio state         -   Power state         -   Port A operation         -   Port B operation     -   Alternatively the LEDs may provide debugging information should         it be required. One of the two sets of LEDs may be positioned on         the outside edge of the primary enclosure, allowing them to be         seen when the door is closed. The other set is positioned on the         back face of the primary enclosure where the connectors reside,         allowing them to seen when the door is open. Only one set of         LEDs is active at any point in time, determined by the state of         the door (ie. open or shut).     -   All electronics required by the platform bar the UHF radio are         assembled upon a single PCB. The core hardware of the system is         comprised of a number of key electronic circuits:     -   Battery charger—Wide input range, high efficiency—the charging         circuitry is optimised for the power needs of the system,         including powerpoint tracking of the integrated 12 W solar panel         and charge management of the 12 Ahr 12V SLA battery. The charger         features two automatically controlled modes of operation to         maintain efficiency over a range of power inputs—normal mode         extracts the maximum amount of power from the panel when under         high insulation, low-power mode allows the charger to operate at         a higher efficiency during low light times, meaning more power         can be extracted from the panel during the fringes of the day.         The power input to the battery charger is capable of handling         sources other than the integrated solar panel, for example the         power bus of an engine, or more typically a DC wall plugpack         (for example, item C in FIG. 5).     -   Embedded processors (FIGS. 6 A, B, and C)—the central processing         hardware is comprised of a low power 8-bit micro-controller, a         programmable logic device and a more powerful ARM based         processor option (see item V in FIG. 6). The combination of         these devices allows for sophisticated code operation and         configuration flexibility whilst keeping power consumption to a         minimum.     -   Modem—The combination of an 8-bit micro-controller and a         dedicated modem IC provides the required modulation and         de-modulation of the signals to and from the THF radio. This         hardware also controls power to the radio allowing it to be         turned off during times of power saving. The modem operates at         4800 baud with GMSK encoding.     -   In some embodiments, the system can support multiple kinds of         radio technology and simultaneously if needed. This allows much         greater flexibility and a much more robust communication         capability. In such embodiments, it is possible for the system         to tolerate much greater barriers to communication than would         otherwise be possible. Such barriers might for example comprise         topography, weather conditions, and so on.     -   Thus, for example, in some embodiments, the system will first         attempt communication using a particular radio technology and         then if unsuccessful, try another. In other embodiments,         information may be simultaneous sent by multiple technologies in         order to maximise the chance that it will be received where it         is needed. In some embodiments the system may bridge and route         between various technologies, for example across a network of         units made in accordance with the invention, in order to         effectively communicate. As a non-limiting example, it may be         the case that a particular unit is either temporarily (eg. due         to weather) or permanently (eg. due to a mountain) out of direct         communication with home base. In such a situation in might         communicate directly with another unit, for example in a network         and for example by shortwave radio. This second unit may then         collect, store, and/or retransmit the information via a cell         phone network back to home base.     -   This feature can also be used to minimise expense associated         with repeated information transfers across expensive         communication networks, such as cell phone networks. Instead,         information may be aggregated in to a single unit and passed on         from it (thus saving additional charges associated with having         all units connected to the network).     -   There are a number of ways in which to implement this aspect of         the invention. In some embodiments, a hardware and software         abstraction layer is developed with a meta model which is able         to integrate across multiple radio technologies. In some         embodiments, the software would be capable of mapping to the         various radio technologies, rather than map to a single         technology.     -   In some preferred embodiments, the information may be partially         communicated using one radio technology and partially         communicated using another.     -   In some embodiments a 5 watt civil band IIHF radio is used as         the primary means of communication to and from the platform. The         radio configuration (channel selection etc.) can be set via the         modem hardware.     -   The platform of this example embodiment includes electronics for         two sets of physical connections to external sensors and         devices, known as ports. These ports are made up of a number of         different standard device interfaces, each port has two (2) of         each of the following, mea ng 4 in total for the platform (see         for example item B in FIG. 5).     -   Control/power outputs—Outputs are used to power sensors that do         not have their own power source, they can be used standalone as         control outputs to switch relays and other passive consuming         devices. Each output supplies −12V at a maximum current of 700         mA. Current limiting is provided in both hardware and software         to ensure erroneous wiring does not cause permanent damage to         the device connected or the platform.     -   Contact inputs—Inputs can be connected to any passive switch         device, examples of these are certain types of water meters,         tipping-bucket rain gauges or any switch the can be connected to         ground. The inputs are activated when a connection is made from         the terminal to ground, ie. no voltage needs to be applied. The         inputs can count frequencies up to 1 kHz @50% duty cycle.     -   Analogue channels—Each control/power output can also serve as a         loop-powered 4-20 mA driver. 4-20 mA analogue devices are an         industry standard, the output provides power to the device, the         device in turn draws an amount of current proportional to the         variable it is sensing. The reading is then derived from the         output of the current sensing circuitry of the output.     -   Serial RS485 channels—RS485 is an industry standard serial         communications hardware protocol, it is extremely robust and         well suited to an application of this sort.     -   Serial RS232 channels—RS232 is another serial communications         hardware protocol typically used in computer systems. These         connections are used for PC communication, debugging, and any         other serial devices that do not have an RS485 option.     -   The internal hardware also features a number of integrated         devices greatly expanding the capabilities of the platform:     -   User input buttons (eg FIG. 5, item A ad FIG. 4, item C)—The         platform has two user accessible push buttons providing reset         and power down functionality as will as acting as inputs to         application level functionality such as recording a ‘visit’         event.     -   Power is a critical point in any remote telemetry system,         particularly those in extremely remote areas. Increases in power         consumption have flow-on effects that ultimately increase the         east and complexity of the product or installation. A large         focus has thus been to reduce power consumption to a bare         minimum, this means taking measures such as turning sensors on         only when needed, carefully managing radio activity and         designing hardware that has minimal quiescent current draw.

4. Telemetry System

-   -   The invention contemplates at least one telemetry apparatus         communicating information (including telemetry and diagnostic         information) to a second location. At that second location a         user may view and manipulate the information in any suitable         way.     -   In some further embodiments multiple telemetry apparatus may be         deployed which then work together in a network (or via a number         of different networks) to communicate information to other         elements of the telemetry system.         -   a. In field installation, characteristic announcement and             network discovery             -   As described above, when a single telemetry apparatus is                 deployed to a location, that unit communicates                 information back to a base station using any combination                 of communication methods contained within its                 communications module. As described above, the selection                 of communications may change and may be driven by a                 System Plan.             -   Single point-to-point communications has a number of                 disadvantages. In the most simplistic form,                 communications cannot be established with an apparatus                 which is located within a communications “black-spot”.                 For example, a mountain between the base station and the                 apparatus may prevent all communications between the                 two.             -   The present invention contemplates a telemetry system                 comprising:                 -   a number of telemetry apparatus; and                 -   a home base (server).             -   Each telemetry apparatus contains a number of different                 network protocols, supporting a number of different                 network topologies through a number of different                 hardware network interfaces (as noted above, which may                 be radio based or any other type of suitable                 communications network). When deployed, each telemetry                 apparatus searches each of its network interfaces for an                 available network topology. Once an available network                 topology is located, the telemetry apparatus attempts to                 communicate via that network using one of its known                 network protocols to any other apparatus or home base.                 Optionally, attempted communication can be to any other                 trusted apparatus using any suitable method of                 authentication.             -   For the purposes of security, each level in the network                 stack may apply any appropriate method of encryption,                 authentication and/or non-repudiation.             -   A number of network topologies permit the sending of                 information via a broadcast to each other unit in the                 network. Where such communication is available upon                 joining the network, each apparatus may optionally                 broadcast to each other apparatus:                 -   The fact of its existence                 -   Characteristics about its location in the network                     (for example, nodes which it has established                     communications with)                 -   Its operational capabilities                 -   Its Service Plan             -   And any other information that may be relevant to other                 apparatus in the network.             -   Using the above example of a base station of one side of                 a mountain and a telemetry apparatus on the other, a                 second telemetry apparatus installed on top of the                 mountain may have direct communication with both the                 base station and the first telemetry apparatus. Upon                 installation:                 -   the second apparatus would broadcast a message                     letting the network know that it has been switched                     on and it wishes to join the network                 -   the base station would reply to the broadcast by                     confirming that the second apparatus has                     successfully joined the network and sending a list                     of apparatus which the base station has contact with                     (which in this case, is none)                 -   the first telemetry apparatus would reply to t the                     broadcast by confirming that the second apparatus                     has successfully joined the network and sending a                     list of apparatus which the base station has contact                     with (which in this case, is also none)                 -   the second apparatus would notify the first                     apparatus that it has communication access to the                     base station                 -   the second apparatus would also notify the base                     station that it has communication access to the                     first apparatus             -   Information from the first apparatus (located behind the                 mountain) can then be forwarded by the second apparatus                 (located on top of the mountain) to the base station and                 vice versa.             -   Interchange of known apparatus and communications                 pathways is maintained via the different telemetry                 apparatus. In this way, remote monitoring can be                 achieved in locations where base station to in field                 unit is not normally achievable.             -   Further, flexible and dynamic network topology can be                 used to improve performance characteristics. For                 example, a number of apparatus installed at different                 locations which each have communications to a base                 station might each take turns in communicating                 aggregated data to the base station. Low powered                 communications between the apparatus can be used to                 aggregate the information before a single apparatus uses                 a more high powered. method of communicating the                 information back to the base station. As a further, if                 the high powered communications method was provided by a                 third party and therefore more expensive, costs may be                 reduced by both limiting the use of that network to one                 apparatus at a time or reducing the number of apparatus                 that have the ability to communicate using that method                 back to home base.             -   Negotiation of co-operative communication plans can be                 established by defining overall system capabilities (for                 example, though a System Plan) and exchanging those                 capabilities though out the network.         -   a. Network topology negotiation             -   In some embodiments, apparatus may alter the form of                 communication depending on one or more parameters. Thus,                 for example, if the only available radio connection is                 of low bandwidth, then an alternative, more suitable                 communication method may be selected. Likewise if a high                 bandwidth connection is available, but the unit is                 conserving power, an alternative route may be selected.                 For example, the system may elect to send the                 information in smaller subparts so as to use up less                 bandwidth. In some embodiments this may for example be                 achieved by using circular buffers, and a monotonically                 increasing addressing scheme and a protocol for                 accessing the subparts of information which can be tuned                 to the receiver's fault tolerance.             -   In addition, different network topologies and                 communications protocol have different benefits in terms                 of reliability, throughput, latency and other                 characteristics. In the same way that different network                 speed may be negotiated and used to achieve the most                 appropriate characteristics, so to can the type of                 network.             -   In some embodiments, the system breaks information to be                 transmitted into subparts to be separately transmitted.                 These subparts may be communicated concurrently and                 multiple copies of a subpart may be transmitted to a                 plurality of places concurrently. Further, each subpart                 may be communicated to its ultimate destination via a                 different path and by different units in the network.                 Such a communication method provides much greater                 tolerance to pour communication environments and                 intermittent acs and allows each unit to flexibly                 control power consumption by selectively controlling the                 timing and duration of its communications. In contrast,                 current methods download data in a continuous stream                 which may be broken due to a communication failure and                 would therefore have to be repeated. In some embodiments                 each subpart i indexed so as to be able to be reordered                 after arrival at the destination. The receiver's                 communications module may be configured so as to track                 the subparts which have been obtained and/or those yet                 to be received so as to readily pick up the information                 transfer when a connection is re-established.         -   b. High level network protocols used in the system             -   In some embodiments and as a significant improvement                 over conventional bespoke systems, the close integration                 of various elements of the system enables the use of                 open standards for data communication and storage. As a                 preferred embodiment, the system may make data available                 in any appropriate machine readable format (such as                 XML). Data may be transmitted using a “pull” methodology                 (as one non-limiting example, via a HTTP GET request to                 the specific device) or a “push” methodology (such as a                 POST request to a centralised web service). In further                 embodiments, higher level interactions with devices are                 contemplated using interoperability and data exchange                 standards such as SOAP. Syndication of telemetry data                 via an RSS feed is also contemplated in further                 embodiments. In one further embodiment, each unit may                 make data available in pre-formatted HTML By employing                 such a method, this system overcomes many issues in                 using and integrating conventional and bespoke systems                 into existing networks, in particular by providing                 levels of abstraction between the raw data and common                 formatting standards for data directly at the apparatus                 level. Such pre-processing of raw data is further                 enhanced by the tight integration of the data module                 (including sophisticated computational capabilities) and                 the effective use of the energy and communications                 module allowing the use of higher powered computational                 devices without reducing communications capability or                 increasing energy requirements beyond what is available.             -   In one embodiment, information transmitted by the system                 is encrypted using any appropriate algorithm to balance                 the processing and power requirements of the applicable                 unit and the security required by the method of                 communication. For example, communication using a line                 of sight point-to-point communication method in a very                 remote area may by election use less secure                 communications channel (and thereby require less                 encryption processing on the unit and thereby consume                 less power to communicate) than the same information it                 communicated over a public network such as the Internet.             -   In one embodiment each unit can use the network to send                 instructions to other devices on the network. Such                 messages can be invoked manually or by business rules,                 stored centrally or within the particular unit. In one                 preferred embodiment a rainfall monitoring unit detects                 rain falling at its location, interrogates the business                 rules and, upon direction of the business rules, send a                 control message across the network (which may pass                 through one or more other units using one or more                 communication methodologies) to a second wait which                 turns off irrigation at a second location. Where the                 business rules are stored centrally, such business rules                 may be used to control more than one different unit.

5. Telemetry Server Functionality and Aggregation and Synchronisation of Data

-   -   The telemetry server acts as an aggregation point for         information communicated by each telemetry apparatus. End users         of the system access information from the apparatus by either         querying the apparatus directly or querying the server. The         server may be a remotely located device (or number of devices)         or may be a logical server located on the same computing device         as is used to view the information from the server.     -   While the primary function of the server is to aggregate         information roam telemetry apparatus, it also performs a number         of different functions, including:         -   Management of the efficient storage id information,             including by movinag information to most efficient and cost             effective storage locations and compressing stored             information using any suitable means         -   Storage and propagation of System Plans created by the end             user after installation of a telemetry apparatus         -   Storage and propagation of business rules         -   Computation functions in relation to the aggregated data         -   Security functions in relation to the aggregated data     -   Similar to each telemetry apparatus, the server characteristics         are defined by the System Plan.     -   The server can deliver previously stored information using any         suitable format, including for example, HTML or XML.     -   Data obtained from a plurality of units can be aggregated and         used to great benefit. Thus for instance, a network of units         according to the present invention allows much finer detailed         information about local weather and water conditions. Thus for         example in some embodiments in which a plurality of units         measure water levels in springs or wells, much greater         information can be obtained about the level of the underlying         water table and the water reserves in the region.     -   In order to facilitate the aggregation of data and to ensure         data integrity across the system, various settings,         configuration data and system status messages can be         synchronised between each unit. Such data can either be         synchronised as dedicated network messages or by passing         information in unused data spaces within existing         communications.     -   Other data synchronised between units is important for the most         efficient operation of the system, such as time clocks. As one         preferred embodiment, using synchronised time clocks between         units, power of each unit is conserved by only communicating         during certain time periods when each unit knows radio         communications will be available.     -   Further, data can be geo-coded with a suitable location         designation, such as longitude and latitude provided by the GPS         system. Geo-coding of data on a portable unit allows data         collection and analysis by activity (which may be stationary or         may occur at different locations and times), an asset (which may         be a stationary asset or may move) or an animal Geo-location         further assists in the location of each unit, particularly if         the unit is lost or relocated without appropriate records being         kept.     -   In some embodiments, from a software perspective, the         architecture is designed to readily accommodate the various         impediments to the communication and aggregation of data,         including using open and/or commonly used standards for data         communication and storage. Thus, data may for example be         communicated in such a way as to be readily presentable on a web         interface which therefore make it much easier to pass through         communications infrastructure. It may also be communicated in         other ways which avoid firewalls.     -   Long-term operation of the monitoring system will result in         large amounts of data being collected. In one preferred         embodiment, the collected data is transmitted to a server; where         the data is stored in an efficient way for later retrieval. The         coat of transmitting and storing this data will impact operating         cost and therefore be a relevant consideration in achieving the         performance goals described in the System Plan. One element of         the System Plan will be the ability to described desired data         retention policies, including level of data detail and data         frequency. Such retention policies may be automatically         configured based on other elements of the System Plan in order         to achieve other operational goals, for example by only         retaining data that is known to be needed, only retaining data         at an appropriate level of detail, archiving and/or deleting         data once it falls outside specific operational ranges         (including historical data and detail levels) and adjusting         backup policy to confirm with the specified System Plan.     -   This information will enable the use of highly efficient caching         and other memory based storage & retrieval strategies.         Additionally, it will also facilitate automatic use of MapReduce         and other highly optimised algorithms designed for real-time         data access. Resources required to service user requests must         also be controlled. System Plan attributes will enable the         optimized pr-rendering of graphical r presentations of data that         meet requirements, and offer far more efficient use of         computational resources.     -   Similar to data, computing resources used by the system can be         configured and altered on the basis of the System Plan. Further,         use of computing resources has an impact on operational cost.     -   As computation resources become increasingly fungible, the         system will use the System Plan attributes to automatically and         dynamically select computational resources that conform to the         System Plan and achieve the desired operational outcomes.

6. Determination of Components and Performance Characteristics Based on the System Plan and Other Desirable Characteristics

-   -   The current invention describes a method for selecting         components based on certain characteristics to create the         telemetry system and apparatus. The characteristics desirable         for the system and/or apparatus are recorded in a System Plan.     -   Selection of physical components to comprise the energy module,         communications module and data module is based on the desired         characteristics in the System Plan as compared to the         characteristics of each hardware component.     -   Further, where conflict with desirable pricing characteristics         permits, additional levels of flexibility in future System Plans         may be obtained by appropriate selection of hardware components.         For example, a telemetry apparatus with only one method of         communication may have a more limited communication range than a         telemetry apparatus with two methods of communication. Therefore         the System Plan for the second apparatus would allow more         flexible descriptions. In this way, the most relevant System         Plan criteria influences the selection of hardware components         which, once selected, may alter the System Plan scope for all         characteristics or change the System Plan for less relevant         characteristics.     -   An important aspect of some embodiments of the invention is         monitoring and adjusting (in real-time or near realtime) the         balance between performance, energy use and cost of running the         system. This is achieved in various embodiments by methods         including:         -   1. Closely managing and minimising energy consumption;         -   2. Closely integrating the system components in order to             obtain maximum performance for the energy budget. This for             example enables the use of smaller batteries and smaller             solar panels         -   3. Monitoring and notifying the user abut the quality and             reliability of information sa that the user can make             informed choices about optimising the operation of the             system.         -   4. Providing the system in a physical platform which is             designed for a rugged environment         -   5. Minimising the cost of operation, for example by             minimising the need for travel to the location of hardware.         -   6. Utilizing a multi channel communication architecture to             optimise communication effectiveness and efficiency.         -   7. Utilizing different network topologies and communication             methods to minimise the power consumption of particular             units.         -   8. Ensuring that quality and reliability of the information             are readily apparent throughout the visualisation             environment and user interface.         -   9. Capturing, monitoring and acting on information about the             status of the system itself. This includes self-diagnostics             and display of relevant results to allow the user to factor             this information into decision making.         -   10. Indicating quality and reliability, for example by:             -   a. Indicating how old the information is. (So that the                 user knows at what point in time the last accurate                 information was gathered.)             -   b. Indicating whether there are any errors in the                 equipment involved in the monitoring (for example with                 icons and/or colours). Thus, an intermittent failure in                 a sensor would show up as intermittent readings and                 perhaps with a warning message. For example, the most                 recent reading may have been within the past 5 minutes,                 but there has been a history of missed readings or                 equipment failure within the last ½ hour.             -   c. Using the software to set tolerance levels for                 reliability. Thus, by way of example, any information                 more than 2 hours old may be automatically deemed                 unreliable.     -   In some aspects, the system of the invention collects and         monitors information in much finer detail than previously has         been the case, which enables a range of benefits. One benefit of         this approach is that the reliability of the data can much more         readily be ascertained. Testing data reliability is crucial in         telemetry applications to save the time and expense of         unnecessary travel on site, for example for maintenance or to         check recordings, etc.     -   Using a water level sensor as an example, the system is capable         of measuring not only whether the water level at a particular         point is high or low (the traditional method), but instead it         may for example provide measurements in depths, for example         graduated at 0.05 m steps. In addition, measurements may be         taken more frequently or in real time. A more detailed data         collection method will show more minor variations in water         levels over time so that if the data were graphed, it would         appear to jump up and down, rather than depict a straight line.         If the water level sensor were damaged, it might for example         show the water level to be ‘low’. It will be much easier to         identify this as a fault using the present invention, because         the fault will not include the normal variations in depth (up         and down), but rather indicate a straight line. Whereas, with         current systems, the operator would be left to wonder whether         some other event has occurred, which has suddenly dropped the         water level, as there will be no up and down variation to signal         that it is a fault.     -   In addition to monitoring and reporting numerical values, the         data interface can also accommodate more complex monitoring         devices, such as image processors. Conventional image capture         and processing devices have focused on either “webeam”         applications (being lower quality devices focused on lower         bandwidth communications and not sufficiently robust to deploy         outdoors) or “security” cameras (being higher quality devices         which are more robust, but expensive and requiring higher power         to operate). According to one preferred embodiment, the system         includes a low power, high quality, robust and environmentally         shielded image acquisition device attached to the data module.         Such device can capture, store, process (such as image         enhancement or incorporating geographical, environmental and         system data into the image file) and/or transmit images on a         periodic basis. Such periodic basis may be event based, such as         being triggered by a timer or trigger events horn other devices         (for example, the water level reaching a certain point). When         transmitted, images can be sent via the network, including over         UHF radio. In another preferred embodiment, in addition to         images, video can be transmitted in real-time or near real-time.     -   In some embodiments other aspects of the operation of the system         can be tuned to particular needs. Thus for example, power         consumption may be reduced to a set minimum in periods of low         ambient light if the power source is one which is recharged via         an energy source such as wind turbine, water, or solar panel.         Additionally, for units located in geographical locations known         for particular environmental characteristics (such as a         significant number of days cloud cover), appropriate sources of         power can be selected for the unit (such as a wind turbine         instead of or in addition to a solar panel).     -   Certain embodiments of the system of the invention is designed         to minimise the need for human intervention at the site of         installation. By doing this, costs associated with travel,         components and maintenance are dramatically reduced.     -   Similarly dramatic savings are made by optimising energy use.         Thus the system of the invention requires much less energy to         operate than conventional units.     -   In some embodiments, the required communications capacity is         minimised in order to reduce overall long term cost of         operation. This is achieved through lower communications costs         (eg. paid to communications network providers) and lower energy         costs, etc.     -   Various features may be added to such embodiments. Thus for         example, in some embodiments, the system may inform the user of         the price that will be paid in lower performance if they choose         a lower priced or lower bandwidth radio technology. Thus, fort         example, the system would notify the user that the data may be         unreliable if UHF is selected but there has been no         communication for some time via that means. Such an error         warning is far preferable than merely displaying the most recent         reading, which may be incorrect at the time it is displayed.         This feature is particularly important in maintaining the high         quality of data and low overall long term cost of use.

7. Methods for Reducing Maintenance of Apparatus

-   -   In some embodiments, the system continuously monitors         information about the operation of the system itself. This         information may be made accessible via the usual telemetry and         remote connections, or by any suitable method.     -   Traditional telemetry systems do not monitor the system itself,         but instead rely on whether information has been received from         one or more sensors. A complete lack of information has to be         interpreted as best the user can. Furthermore, traditional         telemetry units are put together from a range of unrelated parts         in a bespoke way. This presents large difficulties in supplying         an indication of the overall health of the system, as the normal         requirements, tolerances and health of individual components and         the way they interact with each other is quite difficult to         assess.     -   By monitoring the operation of the system itself, the quality of         information received from the external sensors can be more         accurately assessed and the maintenance costs can be         dramatically reduced as there is less need to travel to each         unit to check it. Furthermore, any faults are speedily and         accurately identified so that appropriate maintenance resources         can be directed in a timely manner. In some embodiments,         real-time or near-real time reporting is made possible which         dramatically improves overall usefulness of the system and         reduces maintenance costs.     -   Standards for interoperability of the various components can be         developed due to their close integration which means that they         are more readily accurately monitored, particularly as a whole.     -   Any suitable diagnostics may be used to monitor the health of         the system. Thus, in some embodiments, there are detectors for         water ingress into the primary and or secondary enclosures.         Similarly, detectors may sense temperature or humidity.     -   Wiring or other components, for example which travel outside the         unit may also be monitored, for example by monitoring a very         small current which passes along the wire. If the current is         interrupted, then it will be apparent that the wire has been         disrupted and appropriate warnings can be displayed and acted         upon.     -   In some embodiments, an end of line resistor network may be used         to detect wiring faults and miss-wired connections. This may be         achieved for example by sensing short and open circuits in the         line via an analogue sampling channel. Thus the state of the         sensor device is monitored as well as the state of the cable         connected to it. This diagnostic feature allows the user a         greater sense of confidence that the end device is operating         correctly.     -   This is preferable to the current situation in which an unusual         reading or a complete lack of a reading at all can only be         diagnosed by physically attending to the unit.     -   In some embodiments all communications from and to a unit are         monitored and recorded so as to collect useful information about         successful and unsuccessful attempts at communication and         optionally analyse them.     -   In some embodiments, the battery charge level, history and         current condition are monitored. In some embodiments the amount         of solar radiation and or the health of the solar panel are         monitored. Equally, alternative sources of energy may be used,         such as wind, and in these units appropriate diagnostics can be         used to monitor the health of the system.     -   In some embodiments, the physical design of a unit according to         the invention is designed for simple in-field replacement. Thus         for example in some embodiments, certain components are readily         disengaged and swapped for replacement parts. Thus, in some         embodiments, the entire primary enclosure can be readily         replaced (or ‘hot swapped’). This saves time in the field and         allows more accurate and higher quality maintenance of         components within the primary enclosure back at the maintenance         facilities. Similarly, other components of a unit may be         swappable, such as the secondary enclosure, the solar panel, the         antenna, and so on.     -   In preferred embodiments of the system according to the         invention, the same approach to gathering and monitoring data in         fine detail is used across all monitored parameters, whether         they are in respect of monitoring the components and function of         the system and platform itself, or whether they are sensors of         the external environment, such as a water level sensor.     -   A number of key improvements are also possible when a plurality         of units according to the invention are combined operationally.         For example, a plurality of units may be networked together for         improved ease of communication. In such embodiments, information         may be passed from one unit to another in order to find a         suitable unit from which to communicate back to home base.         Different network topologies and routing algorithms can be         employed by the nodes in the system to assist in the propagation         of messages on the network, based on such factors as power         requirements of a particular node, quality and bandwidth of         communications between a particular node and the remainder of         the network and the reliability of the particular communications         channel. Such network topologies and routing algorithms can be         altered dynamically as variables in the system change. In one         preferred embodiment, each unit can act as a bridge to a higher         capacity network, in one example a 3G wireless network provided         by a third party telecommunications provider.

8. Use of Open Interfaces to Enhance Flexibility of Apparatus Modules

-   -   According to some preferred embodiments, there is provided an         all-in-one out-of-the-box solution for a remotely situated radio         telemetry system. It is a sell contained, self-powered platform         that is easily installed, maintained and upgraded. In addition,         the platform supports a wide range of largely plug-and-play         sensors and devices that allow an even wider range of data types         to be measured, recorded and observed. It also provide telemetry         data in common data formats also used by third party software.     -   In some aspects of the invention, the platform provides a close         integration of components that are typically “cobbled together”         in prior art systems. Through such integration, a tight reign is         able to be held on factors critical to the operation and         viability of such a system.     -   Areas of improvement over current, known systems may for example         include:     -   1. Site access—The point of a remote monitoring system is to         reduce or eliminate the need to be physically present at a         measurement site. Components requiring regular maintenance or         checks are hence not ideal for use in such a system.     -   2. Power consumption—In a remote self-powered system power is         equivalent to cost—cost of equipment, installation, shipping and         maintenance. Components from the industrial sector used in         bespoke systems are rarely considered to be low-power.     -   3. Reliability—Reliability relates in part to site-access, but         further to this a simplified system that can be manufactured in         conjunction with a QA scheme will generally result in more         reliable operation, resulting in greater value to the end user.     -   4. Installability—Complex installs in remote locations require a         great deal of logistical effort, if the system can be simplified         and a large proportion of the work done “in-factory” then         installations become simpler and cheaper.     -   5. Maintainability—Bespoke systems with individual components         require large amounts of in-field wiring, housings and         mountings, adding to maintenance costs.     -   6. Upgradeability—If hardware has sufficient ‘headroom’ and some         degree of forethought is present in the design of the system         then ‘remote’ upgrades are viable. This provides greater ease of         expansion and flexibility in the system.     -   7. Shippablilty—Shipping of equipment to remote areas where         installs generally take place is costly, anything that can be         done to reduce the size and mass of the system will obviously         reduce this cost. Additionally a product that is able to be         produced in quantity allows for a more efficient packing and         shipping procedure.     -   8 Cost—Bespoke systems nut only require the use of relatively         expensive control and measurement products, but also require a         large degree of per-site engineering and customisation. A         product that can be produced in quantity yet is flexible enough         to be easily adapted to the end user requirements will be more         economical     -   9. Open standards—Bespoke systems often employ proprietary data         communication and storage systems, thereby making it difficult         to integrate to other existing systems. 

1. A method for optimizing operational parameters of a hardware implemented telemetry system, the method comprising: monitoring the operational parameters, the operational parameters including a performance characteristic, an energy use, data creation, and a cost; and adjusting a balance between the operational parameters in accordance with a predetermined operational guideline.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation guideline is generated based on information received by the telemetry system, and wherein: the predetermined operational guideline is at least partially determined by the telemetry system based on the received information; and wherein the predetermined operational guideline includes, for each operational parameter, a scope of value, and one or more priority weightings.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the hardware implemented telemetry system includes a plurality of communication methods, and the method further comprises: switching between the plurality of communication methods based on the operational parameters, and wherein the operational parameters include one or more rules which relate to one or more of communication speed bandwidth, cost, network routing configuration, speed of access to another location or any other suitable communication parameters.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring operation is executed via a hardware implemented self-monitoring module.
 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising monitoring data quality via a hardware implemented data quality module.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operational parameters include an output from the energy module, and wherein the operational parameters governing the output is determined based on: prevailing solar, wind, water or other energy conditions, the time of day, week, month or year; the historical energy usage of at least one component of the apparatus, and a predicted energy requirement of at least one component of the apparatus.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring the operational parameters includes: updating a monitoring module wherein the telemetry apparatus comprises the monitoring module or is co-located with said telemetry apparatus, the method further comprising: adjusting a balance between operational parameters in accordance with a predetermined operational guideline; wherein the predetermined operational guideline is at least partially determined by the telemetry apparatus; wherein the operational parameters comprise a performance characteristic; an energy use; data creation; and a cost; and wherein the predetermined operational guideline includes, for each operational parameter, a scope of value, and one or more priority weightings.
 8. A non-transitory machine readable medium comprising instructions which, when read by the machine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising: monitoring the operational parameters, the operational parameters including a performance characteristic, an energy use, data creation, and a cost; and adjusting a balance between the operational parameters in accordance with a predetermined operational guideline.
 9. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 8, wherein the predetermined operation guideline is generated based on information received by the telemetry system, and wherein: the predetermined operational guideline is at least partially determined by the telemetry system based on the received information; and wherein the predetermined operational guideline includes, for each operational parameter, a scope of value, and one or more priority weightings.
 10. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 8, further comprising instructions which cause the machine to perform operations comprising: switching between a plurality of communication methods based on the operational parameters, and wherein the operational parameters include one or more rules which relate to one or more of communication speed, bandwidth, cost, network routing configuration, speed of access to another location or any other suitable communication parameters.
 11. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 8, wherein the instructions which cause the machine to perform the monitoring operations are executed by a hardware implemented self-monitoring module.
 12. The non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 8, further comprising instructions to monitor a data quality via a hardware implemented data quality module.
 13. The non-transitory machine readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein the operational parameters include an output from an energy module, and wherein the operational parameter governing the output from the energy module is determined based on: prevailing solar, wind, water or other energy conditions, the time of day, week, month or year; the historical energy usage of at least one component of the apparatus, and a predicted energy requirement of at least one component of the apparatus.
 14. The non-transitory machine readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein the operations for the monitoring of the operational parameters includes: updating a monitoring module wherein the telemetry apparatus comprises the monitoring module or is co-located with said telemetry apparatus, the method further comprising: adjusting a balance between operational parameters in accordance with a predetermined operational guideline; wherein the predetermined operational guideline is at least partially determined by the telemetry apparatus; wherein the operational parameters comprise a performance characteristic; an energy use; data creation; and a cost; and wherein the predetermined operational guideline includes, for each operational parameter, a scone of value, and one or more priority weightings.
 15. A hardware implemented system for optimizing operational parameters of a hardware implemented telemetry system, the system comprising one or more hardware implemented modules for: monitoring the operational parameters, the operational parameters including a performance characteristic, an energy use, data creation, and a cost; and adjusting a balance between the operational parameters in accordance with a predetermined operational guideline.
 16. The hardware implemented telemetry system of claim 15, wherein the predetermined operation guideline is generated based on information received by the telemetry system, and wherein: the predetermined operational guideline is at least partially determined by the telemetry system based on the received information; and wherein the predetermined operational guideline includes, for each operational parameter, a scone of value, and one or more priority weightings.
 17. The hardware implemented telemetry system of claim 15, wherein the hardware implemented telemetry system includes a plurality of communication methods, and the method further comprises: switching between the plurality of communication methods based on the operational parameters, and wherein the operational parameters include one or more rules which relate to one or more of communication speed, bandwidth, cost, network routing configuration speed of access to another location or any other suitable communication parameters.
 18. The hardware implemented telemetry system of claim 15, wherein the monitoring operation is executed via a hardware implemented self-monitoring module.
 19. The hardware implemented telemetry system of claim 15, wherein the operational parameters include an output from the energy module, and wherein the operational parameters governing the output is determined based on: prevailing solar, wind, water or other energy conditions, the time of day, week, month or year; the historical energy usage of at least one component of the apparatus, and a predicted energy requirement of at least one component of the apparatus.
 20. The hardware implemented telemetry system of claim 15, wherein the monitoring the operational parameters includes: updating a monitoring module wherein the telemetry apparatus comprises the monitoring module or is co-located with said telemetry apparatus, the method further comprising: adjusting a balance between operational parameters in accordance with a predetermined operational guideline; wherein the predetermined operational guideline is at least partially determined by the telemetry apparatus; wherein the operational parameters comprise a performance characteristic; an energy use; data creation; and a cost; and wherein the predetermined operational guideline includes, for each operational parameter, a scope of value, and one or more priority weightings. 